After a seriously rough forking year I am trying very hard to reclaim my life and to make it joyful.

My list looks like this so far:-my roomie/best friend-the ridiculous (almost)cat I share a house with-Your Rocky Spine by the Great Lake Swimmers-brownies-lying in the sun-swimming in open water-creating-dresses-my assorted, politically involved, empathetic friends-my amazing, active, inspiring grandparents-bike rides in the sun

What things/people/places fill your heart to bursting?

_________________"I'd rather have dried catshit! I'd rather have astroturf! I'd rather have an igloo!"~Isa

"But really, anyone willing to dangle their baby in front of a crocodile is A-OK in my book."~SSD

Your Rocky Spine was the soundtrack for my grad school adventures in Vancouver.

Right now, I love walking around in an apple orchid just days before harvest, unashamedly eating unhealthy chips in my car, reading reading reading, taking a day off my day-job in order to write, and having fabulous/inspiring conversations with friends both close and far--keeping a sense of humour but also touching on the painful stuff. And sharing wonderful homemade meals with my partner.

BUT MOSTLY: Kitty cuddles. Puddy makes me feel so so so so so so happy.

-being in love-running-learning new things about myself via endurance training (like finally figuring out that I hate to "work out" but I enjoy "training")-the support I have from my family, friends and teammates-Amos-the natural beauty of the city I'm lucky to live in -reading-cooking/baking for other people-little things that tickle me for no reason, like when the sun and the moon are out at the same time

The last coupe years have been my best, so there are many things that are bringing me joy these daysHusbandBabyBreastfeedingKittensBike rides (now that I am getting stronger)KnittingTeaCookiesFriends (seriously I have realized how many amazing friends I have. I am so lucky)FamilyI don't read as much as I wish I could, but I love books. Actually I don't get to do nearly enough of anything I love these days (besides baby related things) Watching the leaves changeFallHaving my favorite season start

picking berries!! or picking anything, really, it's joyful.anything i do with my dog Nacho, who is my role model.getting my hands dirty in the garden.cooking something amazing in a wok over a hellfire flame.crocheting/knitting in the car, in stolen moments.cold beer in a lukewarm shower.speeding along with the windows down on a hot summer's day singing along with the grateful dead/david bowie/peter tosh/a million others at the top of my lungs.opera.translating something ridiculously complex/technical/nuanced and knowing that i did better than any of my competitors could. (translators' hi five, bun).

A few years ago I had a bit of a crisis (lost a kid and a parent and had cancer myself). Among the many life changes I made, I started moving towards meditation and reading about Zen (though I am a quaker, zen is really similar). Zen has helped me find a lot of these amazing joyful moments in everything- in my cup of tea, in driving to work, in faces, in everything. Sounds cheezy but it's led to lots of magical moments and experiences.

SunshineKisses and hugs and holding hands and loving in generalSexBooks, on my couch, with the rain outsideFriends and conversationsLiving my life the way I choose it with no restrictions other than the ones I give myself

_________________I dunno, I guess I just get enthused over eating big ol' squishy balls. - Interrobang?!

I'm having a rough go right now (despite the fact that I'm having the best few years), so I appreciate this thread:

- Planning trips / seeing the world- the veganz- Walking in my neighbourhood, I love it so much- The farmer's market and supporting local farmers- My catbabies. Especially Tristan. He is just an orange ball of enthusiasm and innocence and it's so endearing and ugh, I just love him.- Baking- Dresses, since I've discovered that being plus-sized doesn't have to be restrictive if you find the right [online] shops- Hot cocoa- The creative/arts/music community in my city, seeing live music put on by talented people I know- Therapy and learning to navigate through the bullshiitake I was put through as a child- Seeing squirrels pretty much everywhere I walk- My husband, who is my everything and has been for so long, and we're more in love now than ever and it gets better all the time - Book stores and record stores- My job (graphic design), feeling like I'm skilled at what I do and being appreciated by people for it

and this:

Anek wrote:

Living my life the way I choose it with no restrictions other than the ones I give myself

_________________Did you notice the slight feeling of panic at the words "Chicken Basin Street"? Like someone was walking over your grave? Try not to remember. We must never remember. - mumblesIs this about devilberries and nazifruit again? - footface

My kidsBaking great yummies for other peoplemy weird little sisterhood of support that popped up out of nowhere and fills me with loveVyaptiFall (all of it. Love it)The occasional cheesy pop song (Call me Maybe is currently at the top of the I can't be sad when I hear it list)Making gifts for people. A cheesy Bollywood dance numbertomato soupthe sound of rain at night through an open window.

Adding in Downton Abbey, cause I've finally found the time to start watching it and I love it. And my job is actually kind of exciting right now. We are growing in size, moving to a better office, and I now have two people to directly manage. Step up for me and the company!

I bought Oprah's 20th anniversary DVD's at a garage sale for 3 bucks, to watch on my kitchen TV when I'm cooking.Yes, I know. But anyway, I have started a daily gratitude journal because of a segment on it, and it's something I look forwardto doing every night. It really changes your perspective when you're taking stock of everything you have to be grateful for every single day. Anyway, it seemed kind of apropos to this thread.

A few things that bring me joy are drinking coffee on my deck, coming in after a good run, being able to listen to an ipod for that run, relaxing in the PM with the canines sleeping to the right of me and the felines snuggled on my lap, and a clean, organized house. And being able to call my Mom when I have good news.

_________________I once caught the clap from a salty navy bean on shore leave. Damn beans.--Desdemona

My kid and my partnerThe awesome September weather we've been havingA moment to myself with a cup of coffeeSeeing newborn babies snuggled up with their Mom or DadGood musicMaking an awesome meal for people I care about

I should really add the PPK to my list. Seriously. I'm 10 days shy of 5 years here! I love "knowing" smart, funny, compassionate, wise, silly, inspiring people from all corners. I learn new things, am exposed to ideas I might not encounter anywhere else, and find lots to laugh at most days. Not bad at all.

I should really add the PPK to my list. Seriously. I'm 10 days shy of 5 years here! I love "knowing" smart, funny, compassionate, wise, silly, inspiring people from all corners. I learn new things, am exposed to ideas I might not encounter anywhere else, and find lots to laugh at most days. Not bad at all.

I should really add the PPK to my list. Seriously. I'm 10 days shy of 5 years here! I love "knowing" smart, funny, compassionate, wise, silly, inspiring people from all corners. I learn new things, am exposed to ideas I might not encounter anywhere else, and find lots to laugh at most days. Not bad at all.

+1 Yummy!

OMG, this too. I love the PPK so, so much. It's amazing how a message board and its regular visitors can change a person's perspective on so many things.

Oh, and I also love the gym. It's my time to be good to my body and help it grow big and strong.

_________________Did you notice the slight feeling of panic at the words "Chicken Basin Street"? Like someone was walking over your grave? Try not to remember. We must never remember. - mumblesIs this about devilberries and nazifruit again? - footface

Oh man, so many things bring me joy!-baking and cooking for people I respect, admire, or like in any way-having so much cute in my life right now (I have 4 baby friends less than 1 year old and several dogs and cats that I see often)-all my wonderful friends-the wonderful things that come with fall: hoodies, apple cider, tea, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and the glorious weather!-kisses-hugs-being vegan (6 years!)-giving gifts-jigsaw puzzles!!-my new favorite podcast: Good Job, Brain!-Picnics-lying in bed-the gif thread-CSA produce-chocolate-and most of all, the PPK. Sometimes my participation dwindles, but I'm always thinking about you all. <3 <3 <3

Tennessee fall weather! And all the stuff that comes with it, like boots and jackets and long sleeves, Halloween, my birfday, and pumpkin and squash and pretty leaves and all that other good fall stuff.